JUVENILE PROCEEDINGS – Adds to existing law to provide requirements for the Department of Health and Welfare to apply and reserve federal benefits for children in the department’s legal custody.

This bill (H 558) requires Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare to determine within 60 days (and annually) whether children in its legal custody are eligible for federal benefits like Social Security or veterans' benefits. If eligible, the department must apply for these benefits and may serve as the child's representative payee, managing funds exclusively for the child's needs (not state costs) and providing annual reports on fund usage. It also mandates a "success sequence" plan allowing children to access portions of benefits upon achieving milestones like graduating high school, securing employment, or completing financial literacy training. Upon leaving state custody, remaining funds must be released directly to the child (if 18+) or their parent/guardian (if under 18).